Liverpool face Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Paris, and coach Jurgen Klopp has no time to think of anything else apart from the fixture. Addressing rumours about Liverpool forward Sadio Mane’s transfer to Bayern Munich, the German said “I couldn’t care less, at the moment… he’s focused on the final”, as per Fabrizio Romano of Sky Sports Italy. The 54-year-old added, “It’s not the first time that I have had a Bayern rumour come up just before a big match”.
The Senegalese winger’s contract with Liverpool expires in 2023, so there has been some speculation about the 30-year-old seeking a change. When Klopp extended his contract with the Merseyside club till 2026, there was some speculation that Mane and Mohamed Salah might stay back. Speaking to Sky Sports at the time, the German had noted “That is more a question for the boys, what it exactly means for them but all fine, my relationship with them is great”, adding, “My point is in life there are more important things to think about, not only who is the manager but knowing who the manager and coaching staff is is an important thing because when you know what you have with other clubs where you could go, you don’t know exactly.”
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Apart from Mane and Salah, Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita’s contracts are also expiring.
Divock Origi, the Belgian who’s scored the Premier League side many a crucial goal, is moving to AC Milan. However, Liverpool is concerned about the big match ahead of them as they face Madrid in the CL final for the first time since the 2018 game, where Sergio Ramos fouled Salah, injuring him, and Los Blancos won the game 3-1.
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Mane had been the lone scorer in that match, but Salah is determined to make his mark this time, tweeting “We’re not done yet” after winning the Golden Boot jointly with Heung-min Son of Tottenham Hotspur, for being the highest PL scorer.